AN ANCIENT tree in Pontypool Park has been shortlisted in the Woodland Trust’s Wales Tree of the Year award.

The sweet chestnut tree can be found amongst other sweet chestnut trees in the park, but from an ecological perspective this one is the most interesting as it is hollow and you can walk inside it.

The tree was put forward by Pontypool Community Council.

A spokeswoman for the community council said: “Over the centuries many children would have centred their games around the tree and used it particularly for hide and seek even when everyone knew where they were.

“These veteran trees and especially this one are a visible reminder of our heritage. The park was owned by the Hanbury family until it was given to the people of Pontypool in the early part of the 20th century.”

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(The sweet chestnut tree in Pontypool Park. Picture: Rory Francis.)

The Woodland Trust’s annual competition is designed to highlight and celebrate the best trees in the country. Once again it’s being supported by the award winning horticulturalist and TV personality David Domoney.

A panel of judges went through the nominees to find the very best trees that Wales has to offer.

It will be competing against six others, including an oak tree in Newport and a small-leaved lime in Monmouthshire.

You can see pictures of all the trees and choose your favourite at woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear. Voting is open until noon on September 27.